For the first time in nearly a quarter-century, there’s a new person in charge at the Grand Traverse Conservation District. Treenen (Tree) Sturman beat out more than 50 other applicants to succeed Lew Coulter, who retired in November after 23 years as executive director. Recently, The Ticker caught up with Tree to learn a little about his goals for helping the GTCD accomplish its mission to inspire exploration, appreciation and conservation of our natural world.

Q: Treenen is a unique name…what’s the story behind it?

A: I like to joke that I change my name every time I apply for a new job, but the truth is my parents did name me Treenen, which my friends shortened to Tree. If I were ever inclined to use my middle name, you would be talking to Merlin Sturman, in which case I would have had to take up a career as a magician!

Q: Tell us about your background and education…

A: I was born in New York, and grew up across from the West Point Military Academy. I got my Master’s Degree at the University of Delaware and worked at the Chicago Botanic Garden, then moved to Vermont and on to Alpena. While there, I worked for the Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative. When I learned about the opportunity to lead the GTCD, my wife and I decided northwest Michigan was the place we wanted to settle down and call home.

Q: What are your goals for the GTCD this year?

A: Being new to the community and to the Conservation District, my most important goal for the short term is to listen carefully and listen broadly. My biggest, most immediate challenge is to help the staff and board articulate the value of our work to the greater Grand Traverse community.

Q. The GTCD is a key partner in the Boardman River Dams Project. Tell us about that challenge.

A. The GTCD shares the responsibility for keeping the public engaged and informed not only about what’s happening on the ground (such as the impact on animal, plant and insect populations) but perhaps more importantly, on what the dam project can mean for the community in terms of economic development and overall quality of life. What we’re doing here in Grand Traverse County will resonate throughout the country and throughout history, and we all have an opportunity to be a part of that. It really doesn't get more exciting than that!

Q: So what do you do in your free time?

A: I enjoy collecting rocks and beach combing. I’m something of an amateur botanist and enjoy teaching anyone who will listen about the tremendous beauty and diversity of plants.

For more information about the GTCD, click here.